Full formScience
DAPstands forDiammonium Phosphate
Full Form of DAP
What is DAP?
Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) is a high-analysis, water-soluble fertilizer that provides nitrogen (18%) and phosphorus (46%) to crops, making it one of the most widely used fertilizers in Indian agriculture. It is produced by reacting ammonia with phosphoric acid, resulting in a granular product that is easy to handle and apply. In India, DAP is a staple input for major food crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and pulses, especially during the rabi and kharif seasons. The government heavily subsidizes DAP under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme to ensure affordability for farmers, and its price fluctuations often become a political and economic issue. DAP is also used in soil reclamation and as a starter fertilizer because its phosphorus content supports root development and early plant growth. The fertilizer's role is critical in the Green Revolution belt states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where intensive farming relies on balanced nutrient application. For competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, State PCS, and Agriculture Officer exams, questions on fertilizer composition, subsidy mechanisms, and nutrient management are common. Understanding DAP's chemical properties, its impact on crop yield, and its place in India's fertilizer policy is essential for students of agriculture science and policy.
DAP का फुल फॉर्म
डायअमोनियम फॉस्फेट
Example
The government increased the subsidy on DAP by ₹500 per tonne to insulate farmers from rising international prices.
DAP — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of DAP?
The full form of DAP is Diammonium Phosphate, a widely used nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer in agriculture.
Why is DAP important for Indian farmers?
DAP provides essential phosphorus for root growth and early crop development, and its high nutrient content makes it cost-effective for farmers, especially with government subsidies.
How is DAP different from Urea?
DAP supplies both nitrogen (18%) and phosphorus (46%), while Urea supplies only nitrogen (46%). DAP is used primarily for phosphorus-deficient soils and as a starter fertilizer, whereas Urea is a top-dressing nitrogen source.